Smith Welch Webb & White Blog

As an attorney specializing in social security disability, I’ve helped many people in the Stockbridge, Georgia area successfully prepare their files for a Social Security Disability claim (SSDI). As a graduate of the The Citadel and a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force Reserve where I serve as an Assistant Staff Judge Advocate, I also have a great appreciation for serving our war veterans.

Many of our Georgia veterans suffer from post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD), also known as battle fatigue or shell shock. PTSD symptoms usually begin within three months of a traumatic event, but sometimes PSTD symptoms may not surface for years. Symptoms may come and go, but are more likely to be brought on by stress or as a result of something that triggers a memory of the traumatic event. Symptoms, which can vary from severe anxiety and fatigue to dizziness and the inability to concentrate, may prevent veterans from maintaining gainful employment or the ability to complete normal daily tasks.

Social Security Disability (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for Veterans

To qualify for SSDI with a PTSD diagnosis, your medical records must document the symptoms associated with PTSD, such as persistent anxiety, as well as the effects the symptom(s) has on your daily life, such as the inability to concentrate or function in normal daily activities. If you are suffering from PTSD to the extent that it prevents you from working, you may also be entitled to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Filing for SSDI and/or SSI requires extensive documentation, and an experienced advocate or attorney who specializes in social security filings can be a great advocate for your claim.

Medical Vocational Allowance

Most PTSD claims are approved as a “medical vocational allowance.” If the Social Security Administration finds that your PTSD symptoms are not severe enough to meet the criteria for SSDI or SSI, you may still qualify for “medical allowance” if the condition is severe enough to prevent you from working in a former job or another job that would pay you a “substantial and gainful” income. According to the VA’s Special Committee on PTSD, 15-20% of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans are “at risk for significant symptoms short of full diagnosis but severe enough to cause significant functional impairment.”

If you or a loved one is suffering from PTSD symptoms and need an experienced attorney who can advise on the best way to successfully present your claim, contact Casey Crumbley at ccrumbley@smithwelchlaw.com or call him at (770) 389 4864 for a free consultation. Smith, Welch, Webb and White is recognized as a premier law firm throughout the state of Georgia. We have an uncompromising commitment to serving our clients and our community. Our team of experts routinely handles a wide range of legal matters, and will provide outstanding service for you, your family or your business.

Any representations regarding the law in this Blog is made available for educational purposes only as well as to give you general information and a general understanding of the law, not to provide specific legal advice. By using this blog site you understand that there is no attorney client relationship between you and the Blog publisher. The Blog should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state.

Smith Welch Webb & White serve clients throughout the south metro Atlanta area including but not limited to McDonough, Stockbridge, DeKalb County, Clayton County, Henry County, Peach County, Jonesboro, Spalding County, Butts County, and Lamar County.